Lead, Venous : 599

Message

Capillary collection tubes are not accepted for this test code. Refer to LEADCQ test code for capillary collections.

Test Code

LEADQ or 599

CPT Codes
83655

Instructions

Collection material such as alcohol swabs should be lead-free. Use powderless gloves. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and dry with clean, low-lint towel. Once washed, fingers must not come into contact with any surface. Clean skin with lead-free alcohol swab prior to puncture. Avoid worksite collection.

Transport Container

Preferred Specimen
3 mL whole blood in an EDTA royal blue-top tube

Alternative Specimens
Whole blood in a trace element free tube: Sodium heparin royal blue-top tube, or an EDTA tan-top tube, or a Sodium heparin tan-top tube

Minimum volume
0.5 mL whole blood in the trace element free collection tube.

Note:
Lead testing will not be performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non acid-washed/non metal-free container.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days; Refrigerated: 14 days; Frozen: 60 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Clotted specimen, EDTA lavender top tube

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) or Atomic Spectroscopy (AS)

Setup Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday

Report Available

48 hours (From receipt at performing laboratory)

Reference Range

Birth-6 Years <3.5 mcg/dL
>6 Years <3.5 mcg/dL

Blood lead levels in the range of 3.5-9 mcg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children aged 6 years and younger.

Clinical Significance

Blood lead level analysis is performed to evaluate the body burden of lead.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.